Originally posted by CullyInTheHouse:
Next year we could have major turmoil in our secondary. Whitner was VERY solid in 2011, but slipped a bit last year. He obviously struggles in the red zone when he is matched up with opposing TEs. As for our CB situation, Brown could be on the way out and we could be rolling with Culliver and a rookie draft pick. Who takes the SS spot though? Going to be interesting but taking the young route may not be all that bad. Well, until three or four years when you have to pay them LOL.
No, it's just that the pass rush was better in 2011 to cover up for his weaknesses. He isn't, nor will he ever be very good in coverage, simple as that. In a passing league, that can be fatal. For all the people jumping all over his jock, there is no 49ers defensive back that got picked on more than Whitner. No defensive back that gave up more touchdowns either. This isn't really a stunning revelation, that was the book on him coming out of Buffalo, great team guy, strong leader, good tackler, flat out lousy in coverage. Its why he ended up getting a minimal deal compared to some of the bigger deals other safeties have received in recent years.
Teams were flat out looking in his direction every single time they had a chance in the redzone. He got lit up last year, point blank, there's no need to deny it, the issue is whether or not the 49ers could have found anything better in free agency, especially someone who had familiarity with the system. Whitner certainly has the intelligence and football sense, but his poor coverage abilities will make this his final season as a 49er.
[ Edited by Phoenix49ers on Jul 19, 2013 at 7:52 PM ]